The Final Push Through: Your Playlist for Finals

By Jason Fontelieu

My limbs are sore, my Dining Dollars are diminishing and my calendar is full of assignments with looming deadlines I’ve yet to even consider starting. It’s the end of the semester. With more things to do than there’s a feasible amount of time for, it may be hard to stay motivated.

But never fear! I’ve compiled a list of 12 songs that will single-handedly restore all energy you once had, to motivate you to finish out the semester strong:

A delightfully thrilling throwback to the carefree rock of the 70’s and 80’s, Kesha delivers one of the most simply ecstatic songs I’ve ever heard here. A desperate plea for someone to just get up and dance with her, you won’t want to turn her down.

Fonsi’s graceful follow-up to the summer smash,“Despacito,” this song is a vibrantly energetic step-up from it. Lovato’s powerhouse vocals pair well with the purr of Fonsi’s, making for a gleeful, cathartic anthem.

This track is one of only a few songs to have ever made me cry. With its powerful message of promoting love and equality, it’s hard not to feel moved by the combination of Sia’s crackling vocals and Kendrick’s spitfire, raspy raps.

Raw and relentless, this fiery, fast-paced rap will be sure to get you dancing along. The soprano singers on back-up and the stick-banging beat leave room for Leikeli47’s blunt, devilishly vulgar verses.

Much slower than the rest of the songs on this playlist, St. Vincent is a hypnotic getaway. Simultaneously a song of lamenting loss and moving forward, this song is a wispy realization of appreciating those who have stuck by you.

A ferocious banger from start to finish, this song finds each of the three artists indulging in their greatness and a listener can’t help but do the same. Each verse is well-written and memorable, especially for Cardi B, as this was first verse sing her hit song,“Bodak Yellow,” which many people thought would be her only hit.

Soft and quaint, this song slowly unwraps a present leading up to the explosive chorus. With promise of new beginnings and hopeful futures, this is the perfect song to boost anyone’s confidence and waive any sense of self-doubt.

Released in response to Beyonce losing out on Album of the Year at the 2017 Grammy’s, this song is a staple. Even though you may do something truly amazing (I mean really, give“Lemonade” a listen), you can still lose out. But like Beyonce, you are still the best.

Mellow and laid-back, Sivan’s sensuous voice flows effortlessly in this song. Hearing his consistent reassurance reinforced over and over is the ultimate reminder that despite all odds, you’ll always have someone by your side.

Lil Uzi Vert’s informal declaration of accepting the shortcomings in life, this minimalistic beats of this song sooth you, urging you to succumb to his message. Nicki Minaj’s verse, however, truly shines here. Her characteristic carefree, confident attitude is inspiring on its own.

Airy and light like a tropical drink, this song is one of the most upbeat, uplifting songs you’ll hear this year. Ora’s proclamations of love and dedication soar over this bubbly track and make you eager to feel the same way.

Featured Photo Credit: Dua Lipa, an English artist living in Kosovo, performed in front of a sold-out crowd at the Fillmore on Nov. 28. Her self-titled album was released earlier this year. (Julia Lerner/Bloc Photographer)

Jason Fontelieu is a freshman journalism major and can be reached at jcf037@comcast.net